POPP CANNED: Pinball takes helm as Argos part ways with GM

On his first day as Argos general manager, Michael Clemons quoted John Wooden, acknowledged how the franchise will soon dip its toes in analytics, made no promises, was steadfast in his commitment to the franchise and came across as Pinball always does when addressing an audience.

No one has been associated with this franchise longer than Clemons, 54, who first came on to the CFL scene in 1989 when Ralph Sazio and Bob O’Billovich served as general manager and head coach of the Argos, respectively.

In fact, it was the legendary Obie who anointed Clemons with the Pinball moniker after watching the newest arrival at training camp held at the University of Guelph. The rest is history.

Clemons is the perfect hire and whether he’s the perfect individual to serve as general manager will be judged only in the amount of wins and potential Grey Cups this franchise posts.

For now, there isn’t much Clemons can possibly do for a two-win team coming off an embarrassing 55-8 loss in Vancouver.

There will be no playoffs for the Argos for the second straight season and a future that is so unknown that it’s anyone’s guess what moves Clemons will be able to take as he inherits the mantle as the face of the franchise.

No one should be surprised to hear how GM Jim Popp had been dismissed, a veritable dead man walking who had no contract beyond this season.

Some were surprised to learn that club president Bill Manning turned to Clemons to succeed Popp, but there’s no better person. He gives the Argos instant credibility and a reason to feel optimistic.

He hit all the right notes during his introductory press conference with his wife and two of his three daughters in attendance. As he often does, Clemons spoke eloquently and passionately about team-building, leadership, connecting with the community and tapping into the vast network of Argos alumni who have made the GTA their home.

“We understand this is a building process,’’ said Clemons. “We are not going to make promises. We are going to work hard and build this back. We need to build a championship team and that doesn’t happen overnight.”

Popp was the man chiefly responsible for hiring head coach Corey Chamblin. He oversaw a championship run two years ago, his first in Toronto, but the team has been bad to the point of unwatchable since that improbable title against Calgary, going 6-26.

Popp brought in John Murphy this past off-season and it will be Murphy who will be tasked with running the team’s personnel department and deciding on player moves.

Coincidentally, the CFL’s trade deadline kicks in Wednesday.

Murphy has been around the likes of Chris Jones and Stampeders president/GM John Hufnagel, whom Manning would describe as the top football executive in the CFL. Manning has often mentioned the Stampeders as the model CFL franchise.

In the fluid world that is the CFL with players opting to sign one-year deals, nothing is possible on the field when there is no bona fide quarterback. That’s the biggest issue, football-wise, facing this Argos team.

Popp’s time in Montreal was doomed when he could not find a replacement for Anthony Calvillo. The same could be said for his tenure in Toronto. Popp and coach Marc Trestman, who was fired last season following Toronto’s 4-14 campaign, had the luxury of having Ricky Ray at quarterback.

Having won Grey Cups with the likes of Matt Dunigan and Doug Flutie, having won a title as a head coach with big-game quarterback Damon Allen pulling the trigger and having seen the franchise win championships with Ray, Clemons knows the value and importance of a legitimate signal-caller.

Manning needed to make moves and good on him for first turning to Clemons in an advisory role and then realizing the impact Pinball could have if given a larger role with this team.

“I didn’t need a job,’’ said Clemons. “I have a wonderful (charitable) foundation I love. I make a living talking to people. I talk and they pay me. I’m not in this job because I need a job. I’ve got a bunch of jobs. I’m here because I love it and I care about our fan base. We want to make it better.”

When Clemons speaks, people listen and they believe what he’s saying.

He has a big job ahead of him and there’s no telling the impact Clemons will have on players, potential coaches or anyone associated with football once he sits across the table from them.

The rest of the season for the Argos is an audition as the franchise begins to turn the page from two years of wretched football towards a new beginning.

The appointment of Clemons is a good step. Murphy may turn out to be another, but he does have a reputation around the CFL for leaking info to the many self-anointed insiders, many of whom know nothing.

According to well-respected football officials, Murphy was telling everyone even before the season began how he’d replace Popp.

In some ways he has, but Murphy must understand that he works for MLSE and the way it conducts business does not lend itself to leaking information.

In fairness, he is known for working hard and his ability to procure talent.

If Murphy stays in his lane, he’ll do well, but if he doesn’t …

There are many rats in the media business and most crawled out of their holes to attend Tuesday’s announcement, even though many had never previously stepped foot inside BMO Field.

But that’s how the media business works in Toronto where the Argos have been completely forgotten. When the proverbial crap hits the fan, they come out and most are never to be seen again.

This Week's Flyers

Comments

We encourage all readers to share their views on our articles and blog posts. We are committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion, so we ask you to avoid personal attacks, and please keep your comments relevant and respectful. If you encounter a comment that is abusive, click the "X" in the upper right corner of the comment box to report spam or abuse. We are using Facebook commenting. Visit our FAQ page for more information.